This work investigates the prevalence and function of sexual and scatological double entendres within the canon of William Shakespeare. Eric Partridge, a renowned lexicographer and scholar, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the linguistic nuances of Elizabethan English. By categorizing and defining these specific terms, the author argues that understanding the bawdy elements is essential for a complete interpretation of Shakespeare's dramatic and poetic intent.

Scholars and students of English literature frequently cite this text as a foundational reference for decoding the subtext of Shakespearean dialogue. While the prose is academic in nature, it remains the standard resource for those seeking to understand the linguistic complexity of the era's humor and double meanings.